A trip through the Dells in 1849

An early journey through Sauk County

In the fall of 1849, Milwaukee scientist Increase Lapham spent a week exploring the Dells of the Wisconsin, Devil's Lake, and adjacent areas. Even then the Dells had a hotel, residents who would cater to visitors, and a store of legends. In this brief account of his trip, Lapham describes the natural beauty, geology, and residents of the area that a few short years later would become the state's leading tourist attraction.